Thursday, February 10, 2011

Just How Small Is She?

At birth, Daphne weighed 4 lb. 9 oz. and was 17 inches long. After surgery and Lasix, she dropped to 4 lb. 7 oz. Today, she weighs 4 lb. 12 oz. (way to go, Daphne!). So just how small is she? Here are some photos that put her size in perspective.

2 comments:

She is beautiful! I am so happy for you guys! My Jordan was 4.2 when she was born and 16 inches long, it is VERY small! I am glad she is doing well! Lots of prayers coming your way! Hope you can bring her home soon!

Daphne Jane Gainer

A Brief, Beautiful Life

Daphne Jane Gainer was born on January 20, 2011, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was adopted one week later by Will and Rachel Gainer, residents of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hours after birth, Daphne was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (CHD) known as pulmonary atresia, which prevents blood from returning to the lungs to receive fresh oxygen and results in a severely underdeveloped right ventricle.

Living with just half a heart, Daphne spent all but three days of her life either in the hospital or on supplemental oxygen. She endured three extended hospital stays, two heart surgeries, one heart catheterization, and countless needle pricks, blood draws, and other tests.

Daphne passed away on March 18, 2011, just hours after undergoing her second heart surgery. Her life on earth lasted just 58 days, but it was both miraculous and inspiring.

This blog is maintained by Daphne's mother, Rachel Gainer. It celebrates Daphne's life, explores the realities of grief, and affirms that death is not the end and families can be together forever.